History of Pulaski County Episcopal Church

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HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Mbs. Frances L. Hough.

Geographically, Mound City is located on the Ohio River
at the extreme southern portion of the State, and the earliest
history of which we have an accurate account dates back to
1812. That was the time of the Indian massacre, and it tells
of the life and fate of many early pioneers who were Ten-
nesseans, who were driven here by the earthquake of Decem-
ber 16, 1811.

Two families by the name of Clark and Philips and a
man by the name of Kennedy were living in cabins on the
higher elevations that presented themselves to these early
settlers on the banks of the Ohio at Mound City. A band of
Creek Indians which had inhabited the lower part of Ken-
tucky, but had been exiled and outlawed for some supposed
outrages committed in their own nation, made their appear-
ance as they were returning from a tour in the northern part
of the Territory. Just previous to their arrival came a man
by the name of Shover, visitor, who witnessed the awful mas-
sacre, and who barely escaped with his owi life. Guns and
tomahawks were the implements used in this butchery. For
years fear and superstition possessed the people who mi-
grated up and down the Ohio River. In 1836 this was over-
come to a great degree, and again cabin homes were erected
for other families. ^ The shipping facilities were exceUent,
the soil for cultivation was very good, the timber lands ex-
celled in all manner of woods.

In 1838 a regiment of soldiers returning from the Florida
War, was ice-bound and remained in camp all winter, three-
quarters of a mile south of Mound City, on Cache river. Wild
cattle and hogs abounded in the woods as well as deer and
turkey and all other wild game. Tradition has it that these
were much less when the soldiers broke camp in the spring.

419

In fhe summer of 1863, Moimd City became a naval station,
the government taking possession of the property on the
river front, and later a navy yard was established upon its
banks, A government hospital was established in 1862. By
special request Dr. Steven J. McMaster resigned the presi-
dency of a college in Missouri in order to become chaplain of
the United States hospital at Mound City, where a chapel
was fitted for service through the courtesy of Dr. Wardner,
surgeon id charge. The services were attended by citizens as
well as soldiers. In 1863, the Eev Dr. Isaac P. Sabough be-
came rector of the church in Cairo, our neighboring city, and
desiriDg to hold services in Mound City, the Methodist meet-
ing house was kindly tendered him, also the public school
building. In 1865 the Eev. John Foster held services for a
short time, when he was succeeded by Rev. William Britton,
and during his incumbency the church was built and dedi-
cated St. Peter ^s in 1866. The lot upon which the church is
erected was given by Frank Rawlings, a young attorney, on
condition that when it ceased to be used for the given pur-
pose, it would revert to the Eawlings heirs. Prior to the
building of said church much interest must necessarily have
developed, for when the women get busy, things usually count
for something, and so it was when Mrs. Sarah Jane Barbour
Kelsey, a native of Hartford, Conn., moved with her husband,
Capt. Kelsey and young family, from Cincinnati, Ohio in the
year 1856. She was a church woman of the highest type,
educated and highly intelligent, prominent socially and clear
sighted as to the needs of the church extension in this new
country. Her quiet efforts coupled with those of Mrs.
Wardner and Mrs. Josephine Goodloe, a young music teach-
er, a native of Lexington, Ky. did much to arouse enthusiasm
as to the necessity for this church development already mani-
fested which culminated in an entertainment. A festival and
dance was given in a brick store house, comer Poplar and
First street, afterwards occupied by W. J. Price as a general
store.

At this entertainment three young ladies were placed as
candidates for a diamond ring. Miss Marie Howard, by the
citizens. Miss Mollie Holmes by the Naval officers, and Miss
Alice Casey by the Army officers, money flowed like water

420

from all sources for these general favorites, each feeling sure
of winning the prize, and disappointment was a factor not
to be considered. However, when it came, and was fully
realized, it was also gracefully received by the defeated candi-
dates who were more than satisfied that a bulk of $2,200
raised at that entertainment in two evenings was gained
through their popularity. The church was erected after this
and dedicated. The first service was conducted by Rev. Lyle,
who was followed by Rev. Dafton. In 1868 Rev. William
Mitchell took charge and sometime during the year a class
of thirteen was confirmed by the Rt. Rev. Henry John White-
house, D. D., D. C. L., Bishop of Illinois.

During 1869-70, services were held on Sunday after-
noons. These services were in charge of the Rev. James Coe
and Rev. Edwin Coarr.

This brings our local history down to 1870, previous to
this no written church records can be obtained, if such ever
existed. The first entry of baptism was made in the Parish
register in Dec. 1870, the records also show that the Rev. R. C.
Boyer and the Rev. Dr. Reynolds in 1871 performed some
official acts. Whether the latter was ever in charge of St.
Peter's is not positively known. In 1871 Rev. Albert E. Wells
assumed the rectorship and served the people faithfully for
eight years, he was an earnest man and regarded with warm
affection by his people, and especially so by the writer of this
sketch and her husband, as he performed the marriage cere-
mony, which united their two young lives, as well as
at the marriage of other friends. Mr. Wells was suc-
ceeded by the Rev. J. E. C. Smedes who remained prob-
ably two years, he was followed by the Rev. Howard McDou-
gall who began his work in the parish on Palm Sunday, 1887,
and continued in charge until late in the year of 1888. Then
came Rev. Edwards for a few months and on Easter Evening,
April, 1890. Rev. William Gill by appointment of the Bishop
of Springfield, assumed the vacant rectorship, holding the
first service on Easter Day. He continued in charge about
one year. The Parish remained vacant until August 28, 1892,
when by direction of the Bishop, Rev. Edmond Pharees took
charge, remaining ten years.

In 1903 Mr. William Baker, Lay Reader, took charge
and was ordained Deacon and Priest while here. He was

421

succeeded after a short interval by the Eev. F. A. Juny, who
remained nntil 1908, when he departed for California.

The Eev. William Whitley was his successor and served
his people faithfully for over a year. He was succeeded by
the Rev. Mr. Anderson, who labored in the Parish for about
one and a half years but on account of ill health was compelled
to resign. In the fall of 1916 the Rev. Thomas Dyke took
charge and remained eighteen months, resigning, leaving his
appreciative congregation for Canada, enlisting in the
British Army to do service for his country. After a few
months he found that he could not do service in the trenches
caused by some physical disability. He declined to go as
Chaplain feeling that he could do more for his church people
at home. He was a capable man and was much appreciated
by all.

Our church was without a rector for several months, the
Sunday School being carried on by the ladies until the advent
of the Rev. John !Hiuen, our Priest in charge, in 1918, who
gives the little mission church one service each Sunday. We
often feel discouraged looking back over the vista of years
at the efforts put forth by each succeeding generation to have
and to hold our own. Considering the hardships of the early
church history in the State of Illinois, dating from 1823 when
Bishop Chase labored early and late with little remuneration
for his service, receiving barely enough to keep the wolf from
the door, we may feel satisfied that we have even done so weU.
At present the prospects are not alluring, still we shall con-
tinue to labor and pray.